Certificate of Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Certificate of Insurance?
A Certificate of Insurance is a document, signed by an insurance agent or company, which outlines the types and limits of insurance carried by a vendor, contractor or other party with whom we have entered into an agreement.

What will I find on a Certificate of Insurance?

• The name of the insurance agent or broker;
• The identity of the "Named Insured" that purchased the policy;
• The insurer providing the coverage;
• The types and amount of the coverage; and
• The effective dates of the policy.

When do we need them?
Anytime an outside party is providing a type of good or service for use, doing any work or occupying any property on behalf of Coastal Carolina University.

Why are Certificates of Insurance important?
A Certificate of Insurance is an official means of ensuring the outside party is in compliance with the terms of our agreements and Coastal Carolina University’s interests are protected. It also provides information about the vendor/contractor’s insurance company in order to file a claim if necessary.

Whenever the University hires a vendor or contractor or allows an outside group to use any University facility, something can go wrong and someone may get hurt. You can help protect Coastal Carolina University from liability by requiring a Certificate of Insurance from that entity's insurance carrier. The certificate proves the vendor/contractor or group is insured by a financially stable company and that it carries adequate amounts of insurance for the activity or service.

Please note: A Certificate of Insurance may not be enough protection for contracts/ agreements that have significant risks or last for extended periods, such as those for construction, transportation services, or a children's camp for example. To ensure compliance with Coastal Carolina University's Policies and Procedures on contracts requiring proof of insurance, liability risks and issues or any questions that you may have, please email riskmanagement@coastal.edu for clarification.

What does "Additional Insured" mean?
When Coastal Carolina University is listed as an additional insured, it means that Coastal Carolina University's interests are protected under the insurance policies purchased by the outside party with respect to any work, product, etc., provided to us by the outside party. It allows us to "bypass" our own insurance and use the insurance provided by the outside party. It would also grant Coastal Carolina University rights to coverage for losses arising out of the services or products that the vendor supplies.

It is vital that Coastal Carolina University ALWAYS be endorsed as an additional insured on all general, auto and umbrella liability policies purchased by the outside parties.

Where are Certificates of Insurance maintained?
A copy should be kept by your department and a copy sent to the Office of Risk Management for review.

What if Coastal Carolina University is requested to provide a Certificate of Insurance?
When an outside party is requesting a certificate of insurance from Coastal Carolina University, please contact the Office of Risk Management and Insurance Services at riskmanagement@coastal.edu.